Since, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no thorough study of the state-of-the-art 3D optical sensors, making it difficult for users to select for their specific applications, the current study evaluated the performance of each sensor for short range applications (i.e., 1 m).
The increasing availability of commercial 3D optical sensors drastically benefits the application fields, including the mechatronics where providing affordable sensing means for perception and control is vital. The current study assessed the performance of each sensor for short range applications (i.e., 1 m). Findings are presented on the measurement accuracy of each sensor under “ideal” situations and the influence of various lighting conditions, object surface properties (e.g., transparency, shininess, contrast), and object locations. In addition, the study developed software APIs and user instructions that are available for the community to easily use each of the evaluated commercially available 3D optical sensors. (publisher abstract modified)